Midnight Kiss (Virgin River #12)(54)

“Will?” A sweet voice from behind him. Marly.

He exhaled. Eased his grip.

Jordan had said they were too different. Thought that she could simply walk away, that she could discard his love like it was nothing.

Then be damned to you, Jordan Parrish.

A small hand touched his shoulder, and he whirled on her.

Marly took a step back, and he was instantly ashamed. “I’m sorry.” He set down his guitar and held up his hands. “I truly am—I don’t—” Never in his life had he felt so out of control. So damned much pain.

Her eyes were soft and sympathetic as she approached him. “Are you all right? I saw you out here and you looked so…” She paused. “Is it Jordan?”

He looked away, unable to stem a bitter laugh. “’Tis my own fault.”

“Why?”

“I—There’s no point.”

“Will…”

He steeled himself against her pity. “It isn’t as though she didn’t warn me, the blasted fool woman.” His mouth twisted. “Though it’s me who’s the real fool.”

“Are you?”

He glanced back in surprise.

“She’s scared, Will, that’s all.”

“I know that, but—” Again he shook his head. “She’s also right. We’re nothing alike. She would hate my life.”

“Does she have to live it?”

He frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Does it have to be your way or hers?”

Will stared at Marly. “The life she’s living isn’t good for her.”

Marly’s head tilted. “So Jordan’s the one who has to change?”

He looked at Jordan’s friend, but he was really seeing Jordan herself, remembering how she’d focused so hard on turning the newel post. How proud she’d been. “She would be happier.”

But would she really? he asked himself for the first time. He thought about how little he’d questioned her about her work, how he didn’t really know what she liked about her career or even how she’d come to choose it.

And being with me would diminish you? he’d asked, so certain that couldn’t be the case, that he was offering her something far better.

He considered his conversation with his da on Christmas. Son, only make certain that you respect the differences between you. Our way does not have to be yours.

Hadn’t he said that very thing to his family again and again? I can’t come back, Mum. I have a different life now.

Yet he’d recreated most of his past life here on foreign shores, and he’d expected Jordan to fit into it. He’d told her he didn’t expect her to be a Marly, but he’d never considered accepting her lifestyle for himself.

“She likes some of it,” he defended himself. But how much of it would truly suit her? Was it only a changed Jordan he wanted? His own image of who she should be?

“What time is it?” he asked Marly.

“Just after ten-thirty.”

Thirty minutes to get to her place. Less than an hour after that it would be midnight, and she could be in any number of clubs. Austin was a big town with endless venues for entertainment.

He wanted to be with her when the year turned. Needed to start the new year fresh, to tell her he’d been wrong, to see if there was a second chance for them.

Before it was too late.

Before her midnight kiss was with someone else, someone wrong for her.

And you’ve been so right for her, my lad?

He would be. Of that he’d make certain.

But where would he find her? How could he locate her in time?

“I have to go.” He was desperate to find her before midnight. “Do you know her favorite clubs?” Shame on him that he didn’t.

All he’d done was ask her to give up her life.

Marly gave him two names. “They’re both close to her place. I’ll ask Fee and our kids. Someone may know others. But check your cell, since the noise will be deafening down there.”

He raced for the door, then abruptly stopped. Turned and kissed Marly’s cheek. “Thank you. Wish me luck.”

“I do.”

“I’ll likely need it.”

She smiled. “That you will.”

He smiled back. “Whatever it takes, she’s worth it.”

THE MUSIC WAS HOT AND LOUD, just the way Jordan liked it. The driving beat of the drums vibrated through her body, the wailing guitar notes sizzled up her spine. All around her, people were having a great time, anticipation high as the midnight hour approached.

A new year. Ergo, a new beginning.

Why did everyone always believe that?

Most people kept going in their same old tracks, year after year. Their lives were no different on January first than they’d been at the end of December. So what made them hope? Simple delusion?

Your brain, Jordan darlin’, is your worst enemy. Love isn’t reasonable or logical.

Jordan halted in place, buffeted around by bodies on all sides.

Just answer me one question first. How does he make you feel? Fiona had asked.

Her so-called dance partner, a man she’d never seen before a few minutes ago, reached out to pull her close.

Jordan recoiled. When his grip tightened on her waist, she turned and used her elbow to get free.